natural and he was freedom. He was what made her breathe easy.
Then she continued to read to him not caring that he’d stolen a piece of her heart away. Or maybe she’d freely given it away. She didn’t care which. And frankly, she didn’t mind at all because she didn’t want any fragments he’d take from her to ever be returned.
I’ve stopped paying attention.
I’m just watching the way her lips move.
Memorising each breath she makes before she starts the next paragraph.
Enjoying the way her body moulds into mine.
Perfection. Perfection. Perfection.
It had been ten minutes since Stephanie had started to read aloud to him. She had read slowly, ensuring that Julian didn’t miss a word. Her voice poured out so much love for literature that it almost hurt him. Every now and then, she paused and sighed. It was like she saw a different meaning to the book than he did. But that was what made her so special. She didn’t have to voice it for him to know. It was the way she looked at the little things. The way she stared at the bonfire last night, for example. And by God, did he want more of her.
As much as he was enjoying sitting on the sand and listening to her read, the brutal sun was burning his skin and, no doubt, Stephanie’s. Tonight, he hoped she’d read some more. And tomorrow, he’d hoped she’d read less and let him stare at the way she viewed the world.
“Stephanie, stop reading for a second,” he instructed. Then he kissed her hot shoulder and pulled back.
“This is one of the important parts of the book,” she argued.
“I’ve read the book, Blondie.”
She sighed and placed the book in her bag. “I know. I just thought you were enjoying me reading to you.”
Then a frown twisted her lips. And shit, did it plunge deep into his chest. So deep that, when he found a way to take his next breath, he never wanted to experience it again.
Julian stood up and held his hand out to her. “I loved you reading it to me. I want you to continue. But I thought we’d test the waters today. What do you say?”
A flash of fear overtook her eyes, clouding over the bright blues he loved.
He loved her smile. Loved the colour of her eyes. Loved the way she breathed and spoke. Loved the way she made the word ‘love’ sound thrilling and easy.
Too much love for someone I just met.
Like, Julian. You like all of that stuff.
But like isn’t as strong as love.
I like-love every attribute Stephanie possesses.
There. That doesn’t make me sound so whipped.
“Oh, umm…” Stephanie hesitantly placed her hand in his. It wasn’t like last night. It was no fluid motion with a hint of confidence. She seemed scared to touch him.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
Her nod was also slow.
“Stephanie, you can tell me what’s wrong,” he said, trying to reassure her.
That frown of hers reverted into a shy smile. “Sorry. I’m not really fond of water.”
Oh, shit.
Way to go, you inconsiderate asshole.
Julian tugged her against the side of him and wrapped both arms around her. “Bad experience?”
She laughed lightly. “Are you fishing for information about my life back home?”
He looked down to see her bright-blue eyes staring at him with curiosity. A curious Stephanie was a beautiful one.
Julian stepped back and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Of course, not.”
She grinned. “Good. And no, not a bad experience. The knowledge that something could kill me is in there is all.”
Without a thought or hint of hesitation, Julian moved his hands to cup her face. “They’ll kill me first, okay? There’s enough of me where you’ll have time to escape. I’ve been told I’m annoying. So I’ll probably be a pain in the ass to kill. Nothing is going to hurt you.”
Stephanie’s lips made a tight line before she gave up and chuckled. “How noble of you, my dear annoyance. So very noble. Just make sure I get to land before you give up, okay?”
“Done deal, Blondie. Done deal. Now, let me undress you.” He winked the moment her cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink. “Going to stop me?”
Stephanie’s grin grew larger, deepening her cheekbones and showcasing her perfect teeth. “We’ll see.”
God, I love the sound of that.
After his hands had trailed down the side of her body, his fingers stopped at the hem of her baby-pink sundress. He rubbed the material, loving the feel of the softness of it against him. Then